It can curb sugar cravings
Ever get a hankering for sweets even though you’re not even remotely hungry? Taub-Dix says spicy food works similar to toothpaste: You rarely want to go to town on sweets once your mouth is all minty fresh.
“The hot and spicy taste means you don’t want cookies after that,” she says. “I’ve had patients say that when they have chili sauce or jalapeño, they’re satisfied not looking for more because it feels like they’ve hit the spot.”